THE ARTS industry has progressed significantly from when it was completely dominated by men to now, when women are recognised and appreciated for their worth, says seasoned actress Jailoshini Naidoo.
“Things have evolved over the years. When I started fresh out of varsity – being black and a woman, you struggled for every opportunity in an already tough industry. You had to constantly prove yourself.”
Naidoo said breakthroughs for women, especially in the film industry, which was dominated by men, was very difficult.
She added that there continues to be an ongoing debate in Hollywood about pay-parity for women actors.
But South African women in the movie industry are being taken seriously and “it is great to see”.
“As I have grown, there have been many great changes, women are at the forefront and made their mark.”
She singled out award-winning writer and director Jayan Moodley, whose debut directorial effort in 2017, “Keeping Up with the Kandasamys” and its sequels, have been box-office hits.
Naidoo plays Jennifer, who is constantly at loggerheads with her neighbour Shanthi (Maeshni Naicker).
Apart from her movie star roles, Naidoo is an established theatre performer, and had a prominent role in the popular soapie “Imbewu: The Seed”, which ran for five years.
TV presenting for MNet and on “Easter Mosaic”, being a radio show host (on Lotus FM), emceeing events, doing stand-up comedy and playing her alter ego, the feisty and forthright Aunty Rumba, are all included in Naidoo's repertoire of acts.
Achieving stardom did not come easily for her, she said there was no shortage of “blood, sweat and tears” in what has been a gruelling but fulfilling time in the entertainment space.
“I have had the opportunity to explore all platforms and genres, and I juggle between them now. On every platform, there are always the nerves to deal with. That’s what gives you the adrenalin rush.”
Naidoo warned that the moment you feel you know it all because you are experienced, you’ll become lazy and go through the motions.
She advised that performers who are serious about what they do constantly work on their craft.
“You learn every day and from people less experienced than yourself. It’s important to remain grounded and never allow your ego to get bigger than it should be, regardless of your achievements.
“Respecting the fans is essential because without them we have nothing.”
Naidoo was sceptical about social media platforms that made mediocre performers superstars.
“If you think you can sing, dance or act, it doesn’t make you a performer.”
She said “theatre is my first passion” because it stirred her love for performance, and helped her to be disciplined, constantly working on improving her skills.
Naidoo regards performing in the celebrated playwright and theatre director Ronnie Govender’s productions “At the Edge” and “1949” as the best displays of her skills.
“When I did ‘1949’, the media were asking why a female was cast in a very male role. I had to play 36 characters – about 20 were male.
“The pressure was huge, but I had something to prove and I did. We booked for a four-week run at the Playhouse, we kept extending for two weeks at a time, and it became one of the longest-running plays.
“I had to look after my voice. When you are alone on stage like that, there’s nowhere to hide.”
Naidoo was amazed at how Aunty Rumba’s profile had grown over the 12 years that she’s been around. She said comedy should not be about accent, but must be “witty, funny, quick and with a punchline that leaves the audience screaming with laughter”.
“I was cognisant not to make fun of aunties with Aunty Rumba.
“I think every community has one. We don’t need to whitewash and hide them, because they are beautiful, colourful, vibrant and dynamic.”
Naidoo’s diary is always loaded with events, and it’s no different this Women’s month, which includes her countrywide Aunty Rumba tour.
When Naidoo reflects on her achievements, she can’t believe how a once shy schoolgirl had metamorphosised into an accomplished performer.